California’s Youngest Water Negotiator on the Colorado River Board

Rising to the Challenge

When the most critical water negotiations in a century began this fall, the largest and most powerful state at the table—California—was represented by its youngest member: 27-year-old J.B. Hamby. A recent Stanford graduate who earned his degree just four years ago, Hamby has quickly risen from candidate for his hometown irrigation district to the Colorado River Board of California chair. This position makes him California's lead negotiator for its rights to the West’s most important river.

Navigating Complex Waters

As climate change continues to shrink the Colorado River’s flow, the seven states that share the river face tough decisions on how to make deep cuts in water use—decisions that will shape the future of communities across a vast region of the United States. Hamby, who was elected to the board of the Imperial Irrigation District in 2020, finds himself in the middle of a negotiation that involves more than just the divide between agriculture and cities. It also pits California, with its extensive agricultural and urban needs, against other states that also have growing cities and agricultural interests.

A New Voice at the Table

Despite his age and relatively limited work experience—Hamby's résumé includes internships with Uber, a U.S. senator, and the legal department of his local irrigation district—he has quickly become a significant figure in water policy discussions. As chair of the Colorado River Board of California, Hamby represents hope for a new way to resolve the generations-old conflicts over the Colorado River, especially as he works to build trust and cooperation among the diverse interests involved.

The Challenges of Leadership

Hamby’s path has not been without its challenges. Upon assuming his role as California's lead negotiator, he initially took a hard stance, refusing to compromise on California’s legal rights to water, which caused a backlash from other states. However, he has since adjusted his approach, acknowledging that even the most senior water rights holders will need to make concessions. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the Imperial Irrigation District to make a significant water conservation commitment—a move bolstered by federal compensation.

Balancing Local and Regional Interests

Hamby’s journey back to his roots in the Imperial Valley is as complex as the negotiations he now leads. Raised in a family with deep ties to the valley, Hamby initially had no desire to return after graduating from Stanford. However, his studies on the contentious history of the Colorado River highlighted the strategic importance of his hometown and its control over the largest share of the river’s water. Despite the area’s challenges—including high poverty and unemployment rates, and severe environmental issues—Hamby launched a successful campaign for a seat on the Imperial Irrigation District board, pledging to protect the community’s water rights.